3 PPCLI in 2008

OMLT TF 1-08

The Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT) for Task Force 1-08 was based on 3 PPCLI and deployed to Kandahar Province with the 2 PPCLI battlegroup from February to October 2008. Initially with LCol Dan Drew as Commander, the unit started with only 60 personnel in April of 2007 when it stood up, but in the course of the work-up training swelled to three times that size due to an increasing strategic focus on increasing the capability of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP).

The role of the OMLT was to foster professionalism in the ANA and ANP through mentorship and the leadership example of the commanders and staff. The subunit was based on the “company team” which consisted of a Company Commander Mentor who was normally the rank of Captain; a Company Sergeant Major Mentor, normally the rank of Warrant Officer; and two corporal/privates who acted as driver/gunners for the RG-31 team vehicle. The OMLT also provided mentorship at the Battalion level, termed a “Kandak” by the Afghans, as well as Brigade and Corps levels (there was no Afghan equivalent of a division). The four-man company teams lived and fought with their ANA/ANP counterparts, at times in completely isolated locations, mainly in Zharey and Panjwayi districts of Kandahar Province.

The tour started off slowly when the OMLT first arrived in theatre in February. The cool nights and relatively calm daily patrols were a stark contrast to future events, and had some Patricias longing for a bit of action to break up the monotony. But with the end of the poppy season, the migrant workers that had been busy harvesting opium were free to do the bidding of the Taliban and they made sure that the Patricias had a very busy summer.

In April, Private “Wild Bill” MacLean was wounded in a Taliban complex ambush that commenced with the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device that overturned his team’s RG-31. In June, Major Mark Campbell was critically wounded when another IED detonated during an operation in Siah Choy, west of Kandahar on the Arghandab River bank. Major Cambell lost both legs in the attack but his positive attitude and perseverance since then have been an inspiration to the soldiers of the Third Battalion. In August, MCpl Erin Doyle was killed in action when multiple RPG rounds struck the tower from which he was engaging the enemy during an attack on Combat Outpost Haji.

Although the OMLT took its licks, the unit gave out much worse than it got. Corporal Donavan Ball was awarded the Star of Military Valour and Corporals Steven Bancarz and Carey Baker were awarded the Medal of Military Valour for their leadership and bravery under fire when their Afghan Company was ambushed by insurgents in June. Despite the overwhelming heat which reached 60 degrees Celsius that summer, the pervasive dust and the threat of IEDs and enemy ambushes, the soldiers of the OMLT were single-minded in their achievement of the mission. Although their boots weren’t always bloused and their faces weren’t always shaven, their professionalism in “getting the job done” regardless of the obstacles exhibited the same fighting spirit that has exemplified the Patricia attitude since 1914.

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Mountain Man

Between the 27th February and the 3rd March 2008, 3 PPCLI organized the annual Mountain Man race which was hosted by 1 CMBG. In the Past the Mountain Man competitions have consisted of a 31.6km march, a 3.2 km sandbag carry, a 10km canoe paddle finishing with a 5.6 km run, all while wearing a ruck sack weighing no less than 15 kg. This year, however; BGen Vance, Commander of 1 CMBG said that he “Wanted to put the mountain back into Mountain Man, and make it a real ‘gut-check.’” The competitors travelled to Grande Cache, AB to compete in a 28.8 km race through elevations of 1,333 metres.

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Spartan Strike

Between the 7th and 25th of April 2008, 3 PPCLI conducted exercise SPARTAN STRIKE in the relatively erratic climate of British Columbia. This was a Battalion level patrolling exercise which took place in Chiliwack, BC. In concert with the final stages of the Recce course, the exercise enabled soldiers to complete much of the PCF cycle training, as well as taking part in Section and Platoon patrolling which culminated in Company and Battalion sized raids. Training was aided with the use of MILES gear to help simulate realism.

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Memorial Ceremony

On 20 June, 2008 3 PPCLI held a consecration ceremony dedicated to the Battalion’s fallen in Afghanistan. Since 2002, thirteen members have been killed in action and to honour their sacrifice a memorial stone and plaque now stands in front of the Battalion lines. Following the ceremony, 3 PPCLI also unveiled the Wall of Honour. On it are photographs of each of the fallen, serving as a reminder of their dedication and sacrifice. This year we added two names as many families and friends attended the moving ceremony, with personal speeches presented on behalf of Major Hess Von Kruedner and MCpl Erin Doyle.

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Ric-a-dam-doo

The Third Battalion took the lead this year hosting Exercise Ric-a-dam-doo in Edmonton for the Officers of the Regiment. This event began on 06 Nov 08 with a trip to the Regimental Museum in Calgary for the unveiling of the Hall of Honour. The Colonel-in-Chief Madame Adrienne Clarkson and the Colonel of the Regiment were present to deliver a tribute to honour eighteen soldiers who have fallen since 2002. The moving tribute and dedication was appreciated by all who attended and the ceremony ended with a guided tour of the Regimental Museum.

The following two days were spent in Edmonton conducting professional development. Subalterns from the three Battalions gave presentations on the Unit history, augmented by presentations from veterans and association members. The entire event was an opportunity for the old and new Patricias to meet and share stories and experiences, which mainly took place during the Mess dinner. It also served as an opportunity to welcome new officers to the Regiment, and help them better understand the unit to which they now belong.

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Menton Days

In December, soldiers from Bravo Company, led by Major Alex Watson participated in Menton Days at Fort Lewis Washington with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment. Hosted by the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). The event commemorated disbandment of the First Special Service Force, a joint US-Canadian unit whose exploits during WWII earned them the title “The Devil’s Brigade”. The week-long event had mixed teams from the three units compete in a number of events, including: a stress shoot, a skill-at-arms competition, fast roping and a number of airborne jumps. The event ended successfully with all attending members of 3 PPCLI receiving their American Jump Wings.

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Christmas Dinner

On 08 December 2008, the Battalion held their annual Men’s Christmas dinner at CFB Edmonton. The event was a welcome break from training prior to the Christmas leave period, and a chance for the NCO’s and Officers to thank the soldiers for their hard work by serving them Christmas dinner. This year’s event was particularly special as Corporal McLean was able to make the trip from Ontario to spend time with his fellow members of 3 PPCLI. A number of personnel were also promoted, including Cpl MacLean.

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Spartan Warrior

Third Battalion participated in Exercise SPARTAN WARRIOR, from 22 Sept – 10 Oct, 2008 in Shilo MB. While completing IBTS training, the focus of this exercise was on live fire training. Soldiers began by honing their skill in individual and teams live fire lanes. Maintaining operationally critical skills, soldiers completed qualifications on a C6 familiarization shoot, an M203 and 84mm Shoot and grenade ranges. This was followed by Section live fires, led mainly by junior NCO’s, then moving into more complex ranges with other arms support. Following the successful completion of Section level live fires, Platoons went through a basic Platoon level live fire, followed by one with additional assets. The training was demanding as well as realistic and soldiers were validated in a live fire environment.

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3 PPCLI Fallen

Master Corporal Erin Doyle

On August 11, 2008 The Third Battalion lost Master Corporal Erin Doyle in the Panjwayi District of Afghanistan. MCpl Doyle was respected by all and will be sorely missed.

MCpl Erin Doyle was born 20 March 1976 in Maple Ridge B.C. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces in March of 1996 starting his career as a soldier within the Primary Reserves as a member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers in Kamloops B.C. Upon completion of his Reserve Force training, MCpl Doyle component transferred to the Regular force as an Infantryman.

After completing basic training in Wainwright AB, he was posted to 3 PPCLI. MCpl Doyle deployed on four operational tours while serving as a member of 3 PPCLI. His first deployment was Op PALLADIUM Roto 6 in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2000. Subsequently he deployed to Afghanistan on three separate missions. First in 2002 on Op APOLLO with the 3 PPCLI BG in Kandahar, while his second tour of duty saw him deploy to Kabul as part of NCE close protection on Op ATHENA. His final tour of duty in Afghanistan, he returned to the Kandahar province as part of the 2 PPCLI BG on Op ARCHER Roto 5.

MCpl Doyle was a dedicated member of 3 PPCLI for over ten years primarily as a member of B Company. MCpl Doyle is remembered as an outgoing and energetic individual. He epitomized the hard-charging enthusiasm, professionalism and authentic leadership that are the backbone of the Regiment and Army. His positive outlook and ability to raise morale are attributes that will be greatly missed. MCpl Doyle was an enthusiastic member of the CrossFit community and is the only Canadian to date to be honoured with the creation of a “Heroes” workout named in his honour.

MCpl Doyle was buried at the St Emile Cemetery in Legal, AB on Thursday 21, August 2008. He is survived by his wife Nicole, his daughter Zarine, his mother Katherine and step-father Robert Mitchell as well as many siblings.

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3 PPCLI Honours and Awards

Command Commendations

Payette, MWO, June 2004 – June 2008, Canada

Frederickson, Maj, 26 February 2008, Afghanistan

Snyder, Capt, 26 February 2008, Afghanistan

Cooper, WO, 26 February 2008, Afghanistan

Keen, Sgt, 26 February 2008, Afghanistan

Underwood, Cpl, 26 February 2008, Afghanistan

Ranger, Cpl, 26 February 2008, Afghanistan

Hodge, Cpl, 26 February 2008, Afghanistan

CDSC

Suchan, Cpl, February 2008, Afghanistan

Mentioned In Dispatches

Pellerine, Capt, June 4, 2008, Afghanistan

Ritchie, Maj, June 4, 2008, Afghanistan

Smith, MCpl, June 4, 2008, Afghanistan

Walsh, MCpl, June 4, 2008, Afghanistan

Woodhouse, MCpl, June 4, 2008, Afghanistan

Volpatti, Pte, June 4, 2008, Afghanistan

MMV

Peel, Capt, June 2008, Afghanistan

Baker, Cpl, June 2008, Afghanistan

Bancarz, Cpl, June 2008, Afghanistan

SMV

Ball, Cpl, June 2008, Afghanistan

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3 PPCLI Promotions

Maj, Capt, Lt,

CWO, MWO, WO, Sgt,

MCpl, Cpl

Maj

Maj HILDEBRANDT GN

Maj VIVIAN AJ

Maj WATSON AP

Capt's

Capt BROOKS JM

Capt DUNCAN AS

Capt HENDERSON CR

Capt MACCORMAC TO

Capt MCMICHAEL RA

Capt MUDICKA DR

Capt TYRELL GA

Capt UDESEN KPJ

Capt WENTZELL TD

Lt's

Lt BOYES JG

Lt BURN MJR

Lt CHORLEY PA

Lt HUTTON P

Lt LITZENBERGER MO

Lt MACDONALD J

Lt RIDDELL BA

Lt SCHMIDT BD

CWO's

CWO TRENHOLM GA

MWO's

MWO HOUSE MD

MWO MCKENZIE JW

WO's

WO COTE CJ

WO TURNBULL JK

WO ULRICH DL

Sgt's

Sgt ARSENAULT DL

Sgt BAILEY KT

Sgt COLES BC

Sgt COOPER WRJ

Sgt DONALDSON CR

Sgt GAVINI ED

Sgt HERRITT D

Sgt JOHNSON DL

Sgt KEEN JL

Sgt MCEACHERN JDR

Sgt PATTERSON TA

Sgt PEDERSON RDW

Sgt RAMOS DC

Sgt THOMPSON DA

Sgt VERGE DM

Sgt WOODS TR

MCpl's

MCpl AGER DGM

MCpl ARNOLD BJ

MCpl BACHAND MR

MCpl BALL JD

MCpl BENDFELD IA

MCpl BENNETT CM

MCpl BENTLEY JF

MCpl BICKERT PE

MCpl BLANCHARD RM

MCpl BRANJE DA

MCpl CHIRINODIAZ LCD

MCpl COCHRANE KJ

MCpl DARVEAU MMS

MCpl DUBOIS RJW

MCpl DULL EFN

MCpl FRASER GC

MCpl GILLIS CM

MCpl HEBERT ME

MCpl HENNIE EW

MCpl KING PD

MCpl KUBICEK CE

MCpl LOEWEN TM

MS MCGILL LM

MCpl MCLEAN MS

MCpl MEDERNACH DM

MCpl MILLAR TR

MCpl MODDE SC

MCpl MOLLISON BW

MCpl MUNDEN MD

MCpl PAILLE JS

MCpl POPE ME

MCpl ROLLIER BW

MCpl SWIFT JS

MCpl VEASEY JP

MCpl VONHUGO MAC

MCpl WALSH JE

MCpl WARREN MCY

MCpl WILKINS KJT

MCpl WILLIAMS SD

MCpl WOODHOUSE CWJ

MCpl WOODS JJBG

Cpl's

Cpl BAGLEE CN

Cpl BAIN JR

Cpl BEDARD JJ

Cpl BRAZIL GM

Cpl BULGER NA

Cpl BUSCHE CR

Cpl COLLIER TB

Cpl DANIELS PIA

Cpl DAY MR

Cpl DEBOER VEMJ

Cpl DUMAS MJR

Cpl FROST MR

Cpl GYURICSKA DB

Cpl HANNA DG

Cpl HODGE JE

Cpl HOUSE DJR

Cpl JOHNSON CN

Cpl JONES GE

Cpl MCCARROLL JA

Cpl MELNYK JJ

Cpl MICHI SA

Cpl NOSEWORTHY JB

Cpl OLIVER DJ

Cpl TURNER NT

Cpl UNDERWOOD KR

Cpl VOLPATTI RL